Healed Instantly

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Matthew 15:21-28

The gospel of Matthew gives us a story of persistence. A woman had a daughter possessed by a demon. She had no hope for her daughter – until she heard that Jesus was in the region. This desperate woman came to Jesus with her need because she believed He could help her. She cried out to Him even though everything and everybody seemed to be against her, and seemingly even Jesus. Despite all of this, she did not give up. With bold persistence, she pushed her way through the dark corridors of difficulty, desperate need, and rejection. As a result, Jesus commended her for her faith and healed her daughter. We also are invited to approach Jesus with bold persistence. As we keep asking, seeking, and knocking, we find grace and mercy in our time of need.

Persistence in prayer pleases God.

Our Daily Bread – May 3, 2007